Rivastigmine transdermal compositions and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

Rivastigmine transdermal compositions are provided. Aspects of the transdermal compositions include an active agent layer which includes rivastigmine and a solubility modulator, e.g., crosslinked acrylic acid polymer. Also provided are methods of using the transdermal compositions and kits containing the transdermal compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/666,117 filed Mar. 23, 2015, which application claims priority to thefiling date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/976,697 filedApr. 8, 2014, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e); the disclosure of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

INTRODUCTION

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter associated with memory.Deficiencies in cholinergic neurotransmission in subjects suffering fromdementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) have led to the development ofcholinesterase inhibitors as a first-line treatment for symptoms of thisdisease. The clinical benefits of these agents include cognitiveimprovements, stabilization or less than expected decline in cognition,function and behavior.

The common mechanism of action underlying cholinesterase inhibitors isan increase in available acetylcholine through inhibition of thecatabolic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. It is now recognized thatcholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil, galantamine andrivastigmine, decrease acetylcholinesterase activity in a number ofbrain regions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. There is also asignificant correlation between acetylcholinesterase inhibition andobserved cognitive improvement. As a class, the currently approvedcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine andtacrine) provide important benefits in patients with Alzheimer's diseaseand these drugs offer a significant advance in the management ofdementia.

Rivastigmine, i.e., (S)-3-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenylN-ethyl-N-methylcarbamate (trade name Exelon®), inhibits bothacetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. By inhibitingcholinesterase-mediated breakdown of acetylcholine, rivastigmineenhances the durability of acetylcholine in the brain, including inbrain regions in which low acetylcholine levels are associated withmemory problems (dementia) associated with Alzheimer's disease andParkinson's disease.

SUMMARY

Rivastigmine transdermal compositions are provided. Aspects of thetransdermal compositions include an active agent layer which includesrivastigmine and solubility modulator, e.g., a crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer. Also provided are methods of using the transdermal compositionsand kits containing the transdermal compositions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a rivastigmine transdermal composition according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a rivastigmine transdermal composition according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a rivastigmine transdermal composition according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a graph of the rivastigmine flux characteristics of exampletwo-layer transdermal compositions differing with respect to the coatweight of the active agent layer.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of the rivastigmine flux characteristics of exampletwo-layer transdermal compositions having differing amounts ofcrosslinked acrylic acid polymer in the active agent layer, as well as apatch having no crosslinked acrylic acid polymer in the active agentlayer.

FIG. 6 shows a graph of the rivastigmine flux characteristics of exampletwo-layer transdermal compositions in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a graph of the rivastigmine flux characteristics of exampletwo-layer transdermal compositions according to the present disclosurehaving 5% crosslinked acrylic acid polymer in the active agent layer,and different pressure sensitive adhesives in a skin adhesive layer.

FIG. 8 shows a graph of the rivastigmine flux characteristics of examplethree-layer transdermal compositions in accordance with the presentdisclosure having a first active agent layer that does not include acrosslinked acrylic acid polymer, a second active agent layer thatincludes a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer, and a skin adhesive layer.The four examples shown have no crosslinked acrylic acid polymer in thefirst active agent layer and differing amounts of crosslinked acrylicacid polymer in the second active agent layer.

FIG. 9 shows a graph comparing the rivastigmine flux characteristics ofmembrane-containing and non-membrane-containing example transdermalcompositions according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a graph comparing the rivastigmine flux characteristics ofmembrane-containing and non-membrane-containing example transdermalcompositions according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A to 11D show graphs of results observed in a Mini-pig trial, asdetailed in the Experimental Section, below.

FIG. 12 shows a graph comparing the results observed with two topicalformulations, one with and one without a carbomer, in a Mini-pig trial,as detailed in the Experimental Section, below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Rivastigmine transdermal compositions are provided. Aspects of thetransdermal compositions include an active agent layer which includesrivastigmine and a solubility modulator, e.g., crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer. Also provided are methods of using the transdermal compositionsand kits containing the transdermal compositions.

Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is tobe understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particularembodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the present disclosure,subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Wherethe stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excludingeither or both of those included limits are also included in the presentdisclosure.

Certain ranges are presented herein with numerical values being precededby the term “about.” The term “about” is used herein to provide literalsupport for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number thatis near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. Indetermining whether a number is near to or approximately a specificallyrecited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be anumber which, in the context in which it is presented, provides thesubstantial equivalent of the specifically recited number.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present disclosure belongs. Although any methodsand materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can alsobe used in the practice or testing of the present invention,representative illustrative methods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patentwere specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated byreference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose anddescribe the methods and/or materials in connection with which thepublications are cited. The citation of any publication is for itsdisclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as anadmission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate suchpublication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates ofpublication provided may be different from the actual publication dateswhich may need to be independently confirmed.

It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of eventsrecited or in any other order which is logically possible.

In further describing various embodiments of the present disclosure,aspects of the transdermal compositions are reviewed first in greaterdetail, followed by a detailed description of embodiments of using thetransdermal delivery systems and a review of kits that include thetransdermal delivery systems.

Rivastigmine Transdermal Compositions

As summarized above, rivastigmine transdermal compositions are provided.The transdermal compositions include an active agent layer that includesrivastigmine and a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer. In certain aspects,the rivastigmine is present in an amount of 10% w/w or more (e.g., 20%w/w or more). The transdermal compositions, in some instances, furtherinclude a backing layer and a peelable release liner.

Transdermal compositions of the invention are formulations that areconfigured to transdermally deliver an active agent, specificallyrivastigmine, to a subject when topically applied to a skin surface of asubject. The compositions of the invention include arivastigmine-containing active agent layer, where therivastigmine-containing active agent layer is formulated to provide formulti-day delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of rivastigmineto a subject when the composition is topically applied to said subject.By multi-day delivery is meant that the layer is formulated to provide atherapeutically effective amount to a subject when the composition isapplied to a skin site of a subject for a period of time that is 1 dayor longer, such as 2 days or longer, e.g., 3 days or longer, such as 4days or longer, such as 5 days or longer, such as 6 days or longer,including 7 days or longer, such as 10 days or longer, and in someinstances 14 days or less, such as 10 days or less. By therapeuticallyeffective amount is meant that the compositions, when applied to a skinsite of a subject during its intended time of application, e.g., within7 days of application, provides for a systemic amount of rivastigminethat provides a desired therapeutic activity. In some embodiments, thecompositions provide delivery of a target dosage of active agent that is4.0 mg/day or greater over a one week period (i.e., 7 days or 168hours), including 9.5 mg/day or greater over a one week period, such as13.3 mg/day or greater over one week, wherein some instances the targetdosage is 30 mg/day or less, such as 20 mg/day or less over one week.

Transdermal compositions according to certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure exhibit a therapeutically sufficient flux of rivastigmineover an extended period of time. A therapeutically sufficient flux ofrivastigmine over an extended period of time may be defined such thatthe average delivery flux on the first day should not be greater than afixed criterion from the average daily flux on the last day of wear, forexample, day 1 and day 3 or day 1 and day 7. The fixed criterion canvary, ranging from a factor of 5 to a factor of 1, such as a factor of 4to a factor of 1.25, where in some instances the fixed criterion is afactor of 3, or a factor of 2 or a factor of 1.5. The extended period oftime over which substantially the flux is observed may vary, and in someinstances is 24 hours or longer, such as 48 hours or longer, including72 hours or longer, e.g., 96 hours or longer, including 120 hours orlonger, such as 144 hours or longer, e.g., 168 hours or longer,including 240 hours or longer. While the actual flux may vary, in someinstances (e.g., as determined using the skin permeation assay reportedin the Experimental Section, below) skin permeation rates of 1 μg/cm²/hror greater, such as 4 μg/cm²/hr or greater, e.g., 5 μg/cm²/hr orgreater, including 6 μg/cm²/hr or greater are provided by thecompositions, wherein in some instances the flux is 40 μg/cm²/hr orless, such as 20 μg/cm²/hr or less.

In certain aspects, the therapeutic flux ranges from 1 to 40 μg/cm²/hr,such as from 1 to 20 μg/cm²/hr, such as from 2 to 20 μg/cm²/hr, such asfrom 2 to 15 μg/cm²/hr, including from 5 to 15 μg/cm²/hr, e.g., for anextended period of time (e.g., from 2 to 10 days, including 5 or moredays, e.g., 7 or more days).

Transdermal compositions as described herein provide for desirableCmin/Cmax. Cmin/Cmax refers to the minimum plasma level of rivastigmineover maximum over a wear period (e.g., 3 or more days, such as 5 or moredays, including 7 or more days) and is a measure of the depletion thedepletion of rivastigmine from the topical formulation over the wearperiod. If Cmin/Cmax is low, a conclusion can be made that the topicalformulation is not retaining the drug administration during wear period,and blood concentration is continuing to decrease over the wear period.In some instances, the topical formulations provide a Cmin/Cmax of 0.4or higher, such as 0.5 or higher where in some instances the Cmin/Cmaxis 1.0 or lower, such as 0.75 or lower, e.g., 0.6 or lower.

The size (i.e., area) of the transdermal compositions may vary. Incertain embodiments, the size of the composition is chosen in view ofthe desired transdermal flux rate of the active agent and the targetdosage. For example, if the transdermal flux is 40 μg/cm²/hr and thetarget dosage is 12 mg/day, then the transdermal composition is chosento have an area of ranging from 5 to 15 cm². Or for example, if thetransdermal flux is 20 μg/cm²/hr and the target dosage is 6 mg/day, thenthe transdermal patch is chosen have an area ranging from 5 to 15 cm².In certain aspects, the compositions have dimensions chosen to cover anarea of skin when applied to a skin site that ranges from 10 to 200 cm²,such as 20 to 150 cm², including 40 to 140 cm², e.g., 60 cm². Accordingto certain embodiments, the dimensions of the active agent layer rangefrom 5 to 75 cm², such as from 15 to 60 cm², such as from 10 to 50 cm²,including from 20 to 50 cm², e.g., 20 to 40 cm², including 35 cm².

The rivastigmine-containing active agent layer of the compositions mayvary in coat weight. In some instances, the coat weight of the activeagent layer ranges from 2.5 mg/cm² to 100 mg/cm², such as from 2.5mg/cm² to 50 mg/cm², such as 5 mg/cm² to 20 mg/cm², e.g., 7.5 mg/cm² to15 mg/cm², including 9 mg/cm² to 12 mg/cm² in coat weight. Since thedifficulty and cost in manufacturing increases with thicker active agentlayers and yet thicker layers allow for less depletion of drug and henceless decreasing flux during wear, in some instances a coat weight thatrepresents a balance of these parameters is employed, e.g., a coatweight ranging from 10 to 90 mg/cm², such as 20 to 70 mg/cm², andincluding 25 to 50 mg/cm².

An aspect of the transdermal compositions according to certainembodiments of the present disclosure is that they are storage stable.By storage-stable is meant that the compositions may be stored forextended periods of time without significant degradation and/orsignificant reduction in activity of the rivastigmine. In certainembodiments, the subject compositions are stable for 6 months or longer,such as 1 year or longer, including 18 months or longer, 2 years orlonger, e.g., 3 years or longer, etc., when maintained at 25° C. and 60%RH as defined in the WHO technical Report Series No. 953 (2009). In somecases, the ratio of the amount of rivastigmine in the composition to theinitial amount of rivastigmine in the composition after storage at about60° C. for at least one month is 50% or more, 60% or more, such as 70%or more, including 80% or more, or greater, including 90% or greater,95% or greater, 98% or greater, including 99% or greater, in someinstances up to 100% or greater to account for experimental error andvariation in coating dispensing

In some instances, the transdermal compositions are configured with as asingle layer composition. By “single layer” is meant that thetransdermal delivery device includes only a single layer of active agentcontaining matrix and does not include separate distinct layers for thepressure sensitive adhesive, transdermal active agent layer, etc.Likewise, single layer transdermal delivery devices of the presentinvention do not further include a separate active agent reservoirs(i.e., an active agent reservoir) separate from the pressure sensitiveadhesive. As such, single layer transdermal compositions of the presentinvention may include in a single matrix an amount of each of thecomponents of the transdermal compositions necessary for practicing thesubject methods, as described in greater detail below. For example, insome embodiments, single layer transdermal compositions of interestinclude a single layer matrix of rivastigmine and an adhesive. Accordingto some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure includea backing, and a rivastigmine-containing active agent layer. Thecomposition may further include a release liner. For example, FIG. 1illustrates a transdermal composition 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, where composition 100 includes backing 102,rivastigmine-containing active agent layer 104, and release liner 106.

In certain aspects, the compositions of the present disclosure include abacking, a rivastigmine-containing active agent layer, and an adhesivelayer. Such compositions may further include a release liner. Forexample, FIG. 2 illustrates transdermal composition 200 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, where composition 200 includesbacking 202, rivastigmine-containing active agent layer 204, skinadhesive layer 206, and release liner 208. The composition may include amembrane (not shown), e.g., between active agent layer 204 and skinadhesive layer 206, within active agent layer 204, and/or within skinadhesive layer 206. In embodiments where two layers of adhesive are incontact with each other, a porous material such as nonwoven, woven,paper, membrane, or other topically well-tolerated porous material, maybe included between the adhesive layers to minimize cold flow and toprovide additional mechanical strength.

According to certain embodiments, the compositions of the presentdisclosure are three-layer compositions. In certain aspects, thethree-layer compositions include a backing, a firstrivastigmine-containing active agent layer which includes a crosslinkedacrylic acid polymer, a second rivastigmine-containing active agentlayer which may or may not include a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer,and an adhesive layer. Such compositions may further include a releaseliner. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates transdermal composition 300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where composition300 includes backing 302, first rivastigmine-containing active agentlayer 304 which includes a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer, secondrivastigmine-containing active agent layer 306 which does not include acrosslinked acrylic acid polymer, skin adhesive layer 308, and releaseliner 310. The composition may include a membrane (not shown), e.g.,between first rivastigmine-containing active agent layer 304 and secondrivastigmine-containing active agent layer 306, between secondrivastigmine-containing active agent layer 306 and skin adhesive layer308, within first rivastigmine-containing active agent layer 304, withinsecond rivastigmine-containing active agent layer 306, and/or withinskin adhesive layer 308. These layers and other components are nowdescribed in greater detail.

Transdermal compositions of the present disclosure may include two ormore layers, where the composition includes a crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer-containing active agent layer and a skin-adhesive layer thatdoes not include a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer. In use, theskin-adhesive layer of such compositions is the layer that directlycontacts the surface of a skin site of a subject. Because certaincrosslinked acrylic acid polymers exhibit moisture-absorbing propertieswhich may affect the flux of rivastigmine from the crosslinked acrylicacid polymer-containing active agent layer, in certain aspects, the skinadhesive layer reduces or prevents moisture uptake by the crosslinkedacrylic acid polymer in the active agent layer, e.g., moisture (e.g.,sweat) from the skin site of a subject to which the composition istopically applied. According to certain embodiments, the skin adhesivelayer reduces or eliminates potential variability in rivastigmine fluxbased on differing skin moisture levels between subjects, e.g., subjectswho produce skin moisture (e.g., sweat) at different rates. Accordingly,the skin-adhesive layer serves at least the dual roles of facilitatingadherence of the transdermal composition to the skin site of a subject,and reducing or preventing moisture uptake by the crosslinked acrylicacid polymer in the active agent layer.

First Active Agent Layer

As summarized above, the transdermal compositions of present disclosureinclude a rivastigmine-containing active agent layer, e.g., present on asurface of a backing. Rivastigmine is an inhibitor ofacetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase having the empiricalformula C₁₄H₂₂N₂O₂. Rivastigmine is known chemically as(S)-3-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenyl N-ethyl-N-methylcarbamate and hasthe following formula:

Active agent layers of interest include rivastigmine present in anamount of from 10% to 75% w/w, such as from 15% to 50% w/w, includingfrom 20% to 40% w/w, e.g., 30% w/w. In certain aspects, the rivastigmineis present in the active agent layer in an amount of 5% w/w or more, 10%w/w or more, 15% w/w or more, 20% w/w or more, 25% w/w or more, 30% w/wor more, 35% w/w or more, 40% w/w or more, or 45% w/w or more. Accordingto certain embodiments, the rivastigmine is present in the active agentlayer in an amount of 50% w/w or less, 45% w/w or less, 40% w/w or less,35% w/w or less, 30% w/w or less, 25% w/w or less, 20% w/w or less, or15% w/w or less.

The rivastigmine may be present in the active agent layer as a free baseor salt. According to certain aspects, the rivastigmine is present as asalt. Rivastigmine salts of interest include, but are not limited to,rivastigmine tartrate, rivastigmine hydrochloride, etc.

In certain embodiments, e.g., to provide better skin adhesion forextended wear periods, the backing may be comprised of multiple layers.In particular, an adhesive layer that may or may not contain the activeagent may be in contact with the backing. In certain cases, the backinghas a larger surface area than the active agent reservoir, e.g., by 5%or more, such as 10% or more, including 15% or more. In suchembodiments, an adhesive, for example a polyisobutylene-based adhesive,which can hold minimal active agent is in contact with the full surfacearea of the backing. Moreover, in this embodiment, a central portion ofthis adhesive layer with minimal active agent content may be in contactwith either the active agent adhesive layer or another backing layerthat separates the two adhesive layers.

As summarized above, the first active agent layer includes a solubilitymodulator. The solubility modulator may be a solubility enhancer. Insome instances, the solubility modulator further functions as a “coldflow reducer,” such that it retards, if not inhibits, the release of theactive agent from the active agent layer, e.g., adhesive thereof. Insome instances, the solubility modulator, e.g., enhancer, is a polymericsolubility modulator, such as a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer. Thecrosslinked acrylic acid polymer includes crosslinked polymers thatinclude one or more acrylic acid monomers. In certain aspects, 10% ormore, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more,70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the monomers ofthe crosslinked polymers are acrylic acid monomers. According to certainembodiments, 95% or less, 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% orless, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, or 10% or lessof the monomers of the crosslinked polymers are acrylic acid monomers.

The crosslinked acrylic acid polymer may vary. In certain aspects, thecrosslinked acrylic acid polymer is a copolymer that includes acrylicacid monomers and non-acrylic acid monomers in any desired proportion.In other aspects, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer is a crosslinkedacrylic acid homopolymer, in which the polymer includes acrylic acidmonomers and does not include non-acrylic acid monomers. Such polymershave the general formula:

Crosslinked acrylic acid polymers of interest include carbomer polymers,which are high molecular weight, cross-linked non-linear polyacrylicacid polymers. Carbomer polymers of interest include, but are notlimited to, the commercially available Carbopol® polymers (LubrizolCorp., Wickliffe, Ohio). Carbopol® polymers that find use in the activeagent layer of the compositions of the present disclosure include, e.g.,Carbopol® 934P, Carbopol® 974P, Carbopol® 71G, Carbopol® 971P, Carbopol®980, Carbopol® 981, Carbopol® 5984, Carbopol® ETD 2020, Carbopol® Ultrez10, Carbopol® 934, Carbopol® 940, Carbopol® 941, Carbopol® 1342, or anycombination thereof.

According to certain embodiments, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymeris an acrylic acid homopolymer cross-linked with allyl ethers ofsucrose. In certain aspects, an acrylic acid homopolymer cross-linkedwith allyl ethers of sucrose may have an average of from 4 to 6 allylgroups per sucrose molecule. For example, the crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer may be Carbopol® 974P polymer.

In other aspects, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer is an acrylicacid homopolymer cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol. Suchacrylic acid homopolymers cross-linked with allyl ethers ofpentaerythritol that may be present in the active agent layer of thesubject transdermal compositions include, but are not limited to,Carbopol® 974P polymer.

According to certain embodiments, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymeris an acrylic acid homopolymer crosslinked with divinyl glycol. Forexample, acrylic acid polymers crosslinked with divinyl glycol that maybe present in the first active agent layer include, but are not limitedto, Noveon® AA-1 Polycarbophil polymer (Lubrizol Corp., Wickliffe,Ohio).

While the molecular weight of the crosslinked acrylic acid polymers mayvary, in some instances the molecular weight ranges from 1,000 to100,000,000, such as 3,000 to 10,000,000, and including 10,000 to5,000,000.

In certain aspects, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer is present inthe first active agent layer in an amount of from 1% to 30% w/w, such asfrom 1% to 20% w/w, such as from 1% to 10% w/w, such as from 2% to 8%w/w, including from 3% to 7% w/w, e.g., from 4% to 6% w/w. According tocertain embodiments, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer is present inthe active agent layer in an amount of from 2% w/w or more, 3% w/w ormore, 4% w/w or more, 5% w/w or more, 6% w/w or more, 7% w/w or more, 8%w/w or more, 9% w/w or more, 10% w/w or more, 11% w/w or more, 12% w/wor more, 13% w/w or more, 14% w/w or more, or 15% w/w or more. Incertain aspects, the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer is present in theactive agent layer in an amount of from 10% w/w or less, 9% w/w or less,8% w/w or less, 7% w/w or less, 6% w/w or less, 5% w/w or less, 4% w/wor less, 3% w/w or less, or 2% w/w or less.

The active agent layer may include additional components. For example,the active agent layer may include one or more polymeric components inaddition to the crosslinked acrylic acid polymer. Non-crosslinkedacrylic acid polymers of interest include, but are not limited to,copolymers of butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate. According tocertain embodiments, the active agent layer includes a copolymer ofbutyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate present in an amount of from2% to 30% w/w, from 5% to 25% w/w, from 10% to 20% w/w, including 15%w/w. In certain aspects, the copolymer of butyl methacrylate and methylmethacrylate is Plastoid® B copolymer having the formula:

The active agent layer may further include a pressure-sensitiveadhesive. The term “pressure sensitive adhesive” means an adhesive thatforms a bond when pressure is applied to adhere the adhesive with asurface. In some instances, the adhesive is one in which no solvent,water, or heat is needed to activate the adhesive. For pressuresensitive adhesives, the degree of bond strength is proportional to theamount of pressure that is used to apply the adhesive to the surface.

Pressure sensitive adhesives of interest include acrylate copolymerspresent in an organic solvent. Acrylate copolymers of interest includecopolymers of various monomers which may be “soft” monomers, “hard”monomers, and optionally “functional” monomers. Also of interest areblends including such copolymers. The acrylate copolymers can becomposed of a copolymer including bipolymer (i.e., made with twomonomers), a terpolymer (i.e., made with three monomers), or atetrapolymer (i.e., made with four monomers), or copolymers made fromeven greater numbers of monomers. The acrylate copolymers can includecross-linked and non-cross-linked polymers. The polymers can becross-linked by known methods to provide the desired polymers.

Monomers from which the acrylate copolymers are produced include atleast two or more exemplary components selected from the group includingacrylic acids, alkyl acrylates, methacrylates, copolymerizable secondarymonomers. Monomers (“soft” and “hard” monomers) of interest include, butare not limited to, methoxyethyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butylacrylate, butyl methacrylate, hexyl acrylate, hexyl methacrylate,2-ethylbutyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl methacrylate, isooctyl acrylate,isooctyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate,decyl acrylate, decyl methacrylate, dodecyl acrylate, dodecylmethacrylate, tridecyl acrylate, tridecyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile,methoxyethyl acrylate, methoxyethyl methacrylate, and the like.Additional examples of acrylic adhesive monomers are described in Satas,“Acrylic Adhesives,” Handbook of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Technology,2nd ed., pp. 396-456 (D. Satas, ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York(1989).

In certain aspects, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a copolymer, suchas an acrylate copolymer. Acrylate copolymer-based pressure-sensitiveadhesives of interest include, but are not limited to, Duro-Tak® andGelva® pressure-sensitive adhesives. According to certain embodiments,the active agent layer includes an acrylate copolymer-based pressuresensitive adhesive selected from Duro-Tak® 87-2353, Duro-Tak® 387-2353,Duro-Tak® 87-900A, Duro-Tak® 87-9301, Duro-Tak® 87-4098, Duro-Tak®87-2510, Duro-Tak® 387-2510, Duro-Tak® 87-2287, Duro-Tak® 387-2287,Duro-Tak® 87-4287, Duro-Tak® 87-2516, Duro-Tak® 387-2516, Duro-Tak®87-2074, Duro-Tak® 87-235A, Duro-Tak® 87-2852, Duro-Tak® 87-2051,Duro-Tak® 387-2051, Duro-Tak® 87-2052, Duro-Tak® 387-2052, Duro-Tak®87-2054, Duro-Tak® 387-2054, Duro-Tak® 87-2194, Duro-Tak® 87-2196,Gelva® GMS 3083, Gelva® GMS 3253, Gelva® GMS 788, Gelva® GMS 9073, orany combination thereof. Polyisobutylenes (PIB), silicones, andstyrene-isoprene-styrenes (SIS) (e.g., Kraton® SIS polymers) may also beincluded, e.g., as desired.

According to certain embodiments, when the active agent layer includes apressure-sensitive adhesive, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is presentin an amount of from 5% to 80% w/w (e.g., from 5 to 75% w/w), such asfrom 20% to 80% w/w, such as from 25% to 75% w/w, such as from 40% to60%, including from 45% to 55%, e.g., from 49% to 51% w/w.

In certain aspects, the active agent layer includes an antioxidant. Anysuitable antioxidant may be employed in the active agent layer.According to certain embodiments, the active agent layer includes anantioxidant selected from vitamin E, or other tocopherol analogs,including tocopherol acetate or TPGS, citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodiumsulfite, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium metasulfite, alkyl gallate, or anycombination thereof. The antioxidant may be present in any desiredamount, including from 0.01% to 5.0%, such as from 0.05% to 3%,including from 0.075% to 1%, e.g., 0.1%.

In certain aspects, the first active agent layer that includes acrosslinked acrylic acid, e.g., as described above, includessubstantially little, if any, water. By “substantially little” is meant2.5% (w/w) or less, such as 1.5% (w/w) or less, 1.0% (w/w) or less, 0.5%(w/w) or less, 0.25% (w/w) or less, including no solvents, e.g., water.According to certain embodiments, the active agent layer does notinclude any water, i.e., the adhesive layer includes 0% water.

Adhesive Layer

As summarized above, the transdermal compositions of the presentdisclosure may include one or more layers in addition to the activeagent layer. For example, the compositions may include an adhesivelayer, e.g., disposed on a side of the active agent layer opposite thebacking. According to certain embodiments, when a transdermalcomposition of the present disclosure includes an adhesive layer, theadhesive layer may have a coat weight of from 0.5 mg/cm² to 8 mg/cm²,such as from 1 mg/cm² to 7 mg/cm², such as from 1.5 mg/cm² to 6 mg/cm²,including from 2 mg/cm² to 5 mg/cm², such as from 2.5 mg/cm² to 4mg/cm², e.g., 3 mg/cm². The dimensions of the adhesive layer may be thesame or different as compared to the dimensions of the active agentlayer. For example, the dimensions (cm²) of the adhesive layer may bethe same, larger, or smaller than the active agent layer. According tocertain embodiments, the dimensions of the adhesive layer range from 5to 75 cm², such as from 10 to 50 cm², e.g., 20 to 40 cm².

The adhesive layer may be made of any suitable components. In certainaspects the adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Thepressure sensitive adhesive may be present in an amount of from 50% to100%, such as from 75% to 100%, such as from 85% to 100%, such as from90% to 100%, including 95% to 100%, e.g., 99% to 100% (e.g., 98.9% or99.9%) (It is noted that these percentages are percentages after removalof solvents, e.g., via evaporation).

In certain aspects, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a polymericadhesive, such as an acrylate copolymer adhesive. Acrylate copolymeradhesives that find use in the compositions of the present disclosureinclude, but are not limited to, Duro-Tak® and Gelva® pressure-sensitiveadhesives. When the adhesive layer includes an acrylate copolymer-basedpressure-sensitive adhesive, the acrylate copolymer may lack pendantfunctional groups (e.g., the copolymer does not include —COOH and/or —OHfunctional groups). Non-limiting examples of pressure-sensitiveadhesives that lack pendant functional groups include Duro-Tak® 87-900A,Duro-Tak® 87-9301, Duro-Tak® 87-4098, Gelva® GMS 3083, Gelva® GMS 3253,and combinations thereof.

When the adhesive layer includes an acrylate copolymer-basedpressure-sensitive adhesive, the acrylate copolymer may include pendantfunctional groups (e.g., the copolymer includes —COOH and/or —OHfunctional groups). Non-limiting examples of pressure sensitiveadhesives that include pendant functional groups include Duro-Tak®87-2510, Duro-Tak® 387-2510, Duro-Tak® 87-2287, Duro-Tak® 387-2287,Duro-Tak® 87-4287, Duro-Tak® 87-2516, Duro-Tak® 387-2516, Duro-Tak®87-2074, Duro-Tak® 87-235A, Duro-Tak® 87-2353, Duro-Tak® 387-2353,Duro-Tak® 87-2852, Duro-Tak® 87-2051, Duro-Tak® 387-2051, Duro-Tak®87-2052, Duro-Tak® 387-2052, Duro-Tak® 87-2054, Duro-Tak® 387-2054,Duro-Tak® 87-2194, Duro-Tak® 87-2196, Gelva® GMS 788, and Gelva® GMS9073.

In certain aspects, the adhesive layer includes a silicone-basedpressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive thatincludes silicone). Silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives ofinterest include, but are not limited to, adhesives produced through acondensation reaction of a silanol end-blocked polydimethylsiloxanes(PDMS) with a silicate resin. The residual silanol functionality maythen be capped with trimethylsiloxy groups to yield the chemicallystable amine-compatible adhesive. Such adhesives may have the formula:

Non-limiting examples of such silicone-based pressure-sensitiveadhesives include commercially available adhesives sold under the tradename BIO-PSA (Dow Corning®, Midland, Mich.) and include BIO-PSA 7-4301,BIO-PSA 7-4302, BIO-PSA 7-4101, BIO-PSA 7-4201, BIO-PSA 7-4102, andBIO-PSA 7-4202. In certain aspects, the pressure-sensitive adhesive ofthe adhesive layer is an adhesive that includes polybutene (e.g.,polyisobutylene (PIB)). Such adhesives may further include a tackifier.For example, an adhesive that may be included in the adhesive layer ofthe transdermal compositions of the present disclosure is an adhesivethat includes Panalane® polyisobutene.

The adhesive layer may include any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive,either alone or in combination with any other pressure-sensitiveadhesive. For example, the adhesive layer may include a single speciesof pressure-sensitive adhesive selected from Duro-Tak® 9301 and BIO-PSA7-4302. In other aspects, the adhesive layer may include a combination(e.g., a blend) of pressure-sensitive adhesives, including anycombination of two or more of the acrylate copolymer-based and/orsilicon-based pressure-sensitive adhesives described above.

According to certain embodiments, the adhesive layer includes anantioxidant. Any suitable antioxidant may be employed in the adhesivelayer. In certain aspects, the active agent layer includes anantioxidant selected from vitamin E analogs, including tocopherolacetate of TPGS, citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, ascorbylpalmitate, sodium metabisulfite, alkyl gallate, or any combinationthereof. The antioxidant may be present in any desired amount, includingfrom 0.01% to 0.5%, such as from 0.05% to 0.25%, including from 0.075%to 0.2%, e.g., 0.1%.

Additional components that may be included in the adhesive layerinclude, e.g., an oil. The amount of oil in the adhesive layer may vary,and in certain aspects, is selected to achieve an adhesive layer havinga desired tack. According to certain embodiments, the oil is present inan amount of from 0.1% to 5% w/w, such as from 0.5% to 2.5% w/w,including from 0.75% to 1.5% w/w, e.g., 1% w/w. Oils of interestinclude, but are not limited to, silicone oil (e.g., Q7-9120 siliconefluid (Dow Corning®, Midland, Mich.)).

Any layer in the transdermal compositions of the present disclosure maycontain a percutaneous absorption enhancer. The percutaneous absorptionenhancer may facilitate the absorption of rivastigmine by the skin ofthe subject. The percutaneous absorption enhancer may also be referredto as a percutaneous permeation enhancer because it may facilitate notonly the percutaneous absorption of the rivastigmine, but also thepercutaneous permeation of the rivastigmine through the skin of thesubject.

The percutaneous absorption enhancer may include, but is not limited tothe following: aliphatic alcohols, such as but not limited to saturatedor unsaturated higher alcohols having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such asoleyl alcohol and lauryl alcohol; fatty acids, such as but not limitedto linolic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid, isostearicacid and palmitic acid; fatty acid esters, such as but not limited toisopropyl myristate, diisopropyl adipate, and isopropyl palmitate;alcohol amines, such as but not limited to triethanolamine,triethanolamine hydrochloride, and diisopropanolamine; polyhydricalcohol alkyl ethers, such as but not limited to alkyl ethers ofpolyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,1,3-butylene glycol, diglycerol, polyglycerol, diethylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, sorbitan,sorbitol, isosorbide, methyl glucoside, oligosaccharides, and reducingoligosaccharides, where the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groupmoiety in the polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers is preferably 6 to 20;polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, such as but not limited to polyoxyethylenealkyl ethers in which the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl groupmoiety is 6 to 20, and the number of repeating units (e.g. —O—CH₂CH₂—)of the polyoxyethylene chain is 1 to 9, such as but not limited topolyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether,polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and polyoxyethylene oleyl ether;glycerides (i.e., fatty acid esters of glycerol), such as but notlimited to glycerol esters of fatty acids having 6 to 18 carbon atoms,where the glycerides may be monoglycerides (i.e., a glycerol moleculecovalently bonded to one fatty acid chain through an ester linkage),diglycerides (i.e., a glycerol molecule covalently bonded to two fattyacid chains through ester linkages), triglycerides (i.e., a glycerolmolecule covalently bonded to three fatty acid chains through esterlinkages), or combinations thereof, where the fatty acid componentsforming the glycerides include, but are not limited to octanoic acid,decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid,octadecanoic acid (i.e., stearic acid) and oleic acid; middle-chainfatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols; lactic acid alkyl esters;dibasic acid alkyl esters; acylated amino acids; pyrrolidone;pyrrolidone derivatives; and combinations thereof.

Additional types of percutaneous absorption enhancers include, but arenot limited to lactic acid, tartaric acid, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, benzylalcohol, lanoline, potassium hydroxide (KOH), andtris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane.

Specific examples of percutaneous absorption enhancers include, but arenot limited to glycerol monooleate (GMO), sorbitan monolaurate (SML),sorbitan monooleate (SMO), laureth-4 (LTH), and combinations thereof.

In some cases, the layer (e.g., the active agent layer and/or theadhesive layer) contains the percutaneous absorption enhancer in anamount ranging from 2% to 25% (w/w), such as from 5% to 20% (w/w), andincluding from 5% to 15% (w/w). In certain cases, a layer contains thepercutaneous absorption enhancer in an amount of about 5% (w/w), about10% (w/w), about 15% (w/w), or about 20% (w/w).

In certain aspects, the transdermal compositions of the presentdisclosure do not include a percutaneous absorption or permeationenhancer.

Second Active Agent Layer

In certain aspects, the transdermal compositions of present disclosureinclude a second rivastigmine-containing active agent layer, e.g.,present between the first active agent layer and the backing. The secondactive agent layer may include any of the features described above withrespect to the first active agent layer. For example, the second activeagent layer may include any of the polymeric components (e.g., one ofmore crosslinked acrylic acid polymers, one or more copolymers (e.g.,copolymers of butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate),pressure-sensitive adhesive polymers), anti-oxidants, and the like asdescribed above.

In certain aspects, a rivastigmine transdermal composition of thepresent invention is a three-layer composition that includes a firstactive agent layer that includes a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer, anadhesive layer, and a second active agent layer which may or may notinclude a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer, where the second activeagent layer is disposed on a side of the first active agent layeropposite the adhesive layer, e.g., between a backing and the firstactive agent layer. The coat weight of the second active agent layer mayvary. In certain aspects, the coat weight of the second active agentlayer is from 2.5 mg/cm² to 25 mg/cm². According to certain embodiments,the second active agent layer does not include a crosslinked acrylicacid polymer.

According to certain embodiments, the second active agent layer does notinclude water, i.e., the second active agent layer includes 0% water.

Membrane or Support Layer

According to certain embodiments, a transdermal composition of thepresent disclosure includes one or more membranes. When the compositionincludes a membrane, the membrane may be disposed between two layers ofthe composition, within a layer of the composition (e.g., within anactive agent layer or within an adhesive layer), or in any otherdesirable configuration. For example, when the transdermal compositionis a two-layer composition that includes a first active agent layer andan adhesive layer, a membrane may be disposed between the first activeagent layer and the adhesive layer. Also by way of example, when thetransdermal composition is a three-layer composition that includes afirst active agent layer, a second active agent layer, and an adhesivelayer, a membrane may be disposed between the first active agent layerand the second active agent layer, between the first active agent layerand the adhesive layer, or both.

In certain aspects, including a membrane in a transdermal composition ofthe present invention results in higher controlled release of the activeagent and/or reduces or eliminates any “cold flow” exhibited by thecomposition in the absence of the membrane. Cold flow is an aspect ofcertain pressure-sensitive adhesives in which the adhesive migrates outof the edge of a transdermal composition (e.g., a patch) during storageor when the composition is applied to a patient. Excessive cold flow mayresult in excessive sticking to the inside surfaces of any packaging inwhich the composition is stored, separation of the release liner duringremoval of the composition from the packaging, deposition of theadhesive around the periphery of the composition on the skin of apatient to which the composition is applied, and/or the like.

When one or more membranes are employed in the transdermal compositionsof the present disclosure, the membrane may be made from any suitablematerial. In certain aspects, the membrane is made of a materialselected from monolayer polypropylene (e.g., Celgard® PP monolayerpolypropylene membrane), polyethylene (e.g., Celgard® PE polyethylenemembrane), a vinyl acetate-containing material (e.g., 3M™ Colran™ vinylacetate film, such as 3M™ Colran™ 9707 film, 3M™ Colran™ 9726 film,and/or the like), a non-woven or woven sheet, or any combinationthereof.

Backing

As summarized above, transdermal compositions of interest may include abacking (i.e., support layer). The backing may be flexible to an extentthat it can be brought into close contact with a desired topicallocation of a subject. The backing may be fabricated from a materialthat it does not absorb the active agent, and does not allow the activeagent to be released from the side of the support. The backing mayinclude, but is not limited to, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, films(including sheets), porous bodies, foamed bodies, paper, compositematerials obtained by laminating a film on a non-woven fabric or fabric,and combinations thereof. The backing layer may also be layered toanother adhesive layer, for example a PIB adhesive layer may be used asan occlusive layer.

Non-woven fabric may include, but is not limited to, the following:polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyesterresins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalateand polyethylene naphthalate; rayon, polyamide, poly(ester ether),polyurethane, polyacrylic resins, polyvinyl alcohol,styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers, andstyrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene copolymers; and combinations thereof.Fabrics may include, but are not limited to: cotton, rayon, polyacrylicresins, polyester resins, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.Films may include, but are not limited to the following: polyolefinresins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyacrylic resins suchas polymethyl methacrylate and polyethyl methacrylate; polyester resinssuch as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate andpolyethylene naphthalate; and besides cellophane, polyvinyl alcohol,ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene,polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, fluororesins, styrene-isoprene-styrenecopolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers, polyamide, and polysulfone; and combinationsthereof. Papers may include, but are not limited to, impregnated paper,coated paper, wood free paper, Kraft paper, Japanese paper, glassinepaper, synthetic paper, and combinations thereof. Composite materialsmay include, but are not limited to, composite materials obtained bylaminating the above-described film on the above-described non-wovenfabric or fabric.

The size of the backing may vary, and in some instances the backing issized to cover the desired topical target site. In some embodiments, thebacking has a length ranging from 2 to 100 cm, such as 4 to 60 cm and awidth ranging from 2 to 100 cm, such as 4 to 60 cm.

In some embodiments, the backing layer is insoluble in water. Byinsoluble in water is meant that that the backing layer may be immersedin water for a period of 1 day or longer, such as 1 week or longer,including 1 month or longer, and exhibit little if any dissolution,e.g., no observable dissolution.

Release Liner

As summarized above, in some embodiments, the transdermal compositionsof the present disclosure include a release liner. In certain aspects,when it is desirable for the active agent layer to make direct contactwith a skin surface of a subject, the release liner may be disposeddirectly on the active agent layer and removed prior to use (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). In other aspects, when one or more additional layers arepresent in the composition (e.g., an adhesive layer), the release linermay be disposed directly on the adhesive layer and removed prior to use(see, e.g., FIG. 2).

The release liner facilitates the protection of the active agent layerand/or any additional layers (e.g., an adhesive layer, if present) ofthe transdermal compositions. In certain aspects, a release liner may beprepared by treating one side of polyethylene-coated wood free paper,polyolefin-coated glassine paper, a polyethylene terephthalate(polyester) film, a polypropylene film, or the like with a siliconetreatment.

Adhesive Overlay

Optionally, one or more adhesive overlays can be used to increase theadhesion of the composition when applied to the skin. Adhesive overlayscan include a layer of adhesive present on a backing material, such as aporous, non-porous, occlusive, or breathable backing material. Thedimensions of the adhesive overlay are chosen to provide the desiredfunctionality, where in some instances the dimensions are chose suchthat the adhesive overlay, when applied over the active agentformulation, extends some distance beyond one or more of the sides ofthe active agent formulation. In some instances, the area of theadhesive overlay exceeds the area of the active agent layer by 5% ormore, such as by 10% or more, including by 20% or more. During use, theadhesive overlay can be applied by the patients, by the care givers, orcan be integrated in the kits.

Methods of Use

As summarized above, methods that employ the transdermal compositions ofthe present disclosure are provided. According to certain embodiments,the methods include applying to a skin site of a subject any of thetransdermal compositions described herein, in a manner sufficient toachieve a therapeutic flux of the rivastigmine for an extended period oftime. In certain aspects, the therapeutic flux ranges from 1 to 40μg/cm²/hr, such as from 1 to 20 μg/cm²/hr, such as from 2 to 20μg/cm²/hr, such as from 2 to 15 μg/cm²/hr, including from 5 to 15μg/cm²/hr, e.g., for an extended period of time (e.g., from 2 to 10days, including 5 or more days, e.g., 7 or more days).

Methods of using the transdermal compositions include administering aneffective amount of rivastigmine to a subject in order to treat thesubject for a target condition of interest, e.g., as described in theUtility section below. By “treating” or “treatment” is meant at least asuppression or an amelioration of the symptoms associated with thecondition afflicting the subject, where suppression and amelioration areused in a broad sense to refer to at least a reduction in the magnitudeof a parameter, e.g., symptom, associated with the condition beingtreated. As such, treatment also includes situations where the conditionis completely inhibited, e.g., prevented from happening, or stopped,e.g., terminated, such that the subject no longer experiences thecondition. As such, treatment includes both preventing and managing acondition.

In practicing the methods, the transdermal compositions disclosed hereincan be topically administered to a subject, i.e., the transdermalcompositions may be administered to any convenient topical site (e.g.,skin site). Topical sites of interest include both mucosal sites andkeratinized skin sites, and therefore include, but are not limited to:arms, torso (e.g., chest or back), legs, head, mouth, nose, eyes,rectum, vagina, etc. The surface area that is covered by the topicalcomposition following application is sufficient to provide for thedesired amount of agent administration, and in some embodiments rangesfrom 1 to 400 cm², such as from 1 to 300 cm², such as from 1 to 200 cm²,such as from 10 to 180 cm² (e.g., from 20 to 50 cm²) and including from100 to 150 cm², e.g., 140 cm².

The transdermal composition may be maintained at the topical site towhich it has been applied for a desired amount of time, e.g., to delivera desired amount of active agent delivery. In some instances, the periodof time that the composition is maintained at the site of application is24 hours or longer, such as 48 hours or longer, including 72 hours orlonger, e.g., 96 hours or longer, including 120 hours or longer, such as144 hours or longer, e.g., 168 hours or longer, including 240 hours orlonger. In certain aspects, a transdermal composition of the presentdisclosure is maintained at the topical site to which it has beenapplied for an extended period of time that is from 2 to 10 days (e.g.,7 days).

In practicing the subject methods, a given dosage of the transdermalcomposition may be applied a single time or a plurality of times over agiven time period, e.g., the course of the disease condition beingtreated, where the dosing schedule when a plurality of compositions areadministered over a given time period may be daily, weekly, biweekly,monthly, etc.

After the transdermal active agent composition has been applied to theskin site for the desired amount of time (i.e., an amount of timesufficient to deliver a target dose of the rivastigmine to the subjectover a period of time), the composition may be removed from the skinsite. A new transdermal composition may be applied at the same or at adifferent skin site. The new transdermal composition may be applied to adifferent skin site to reduce the possible occurrence of skin irritationand/or skin sensitization at the prior site of application.

In certain embodiments, the subject methods include a diagnostic step.Individuals may be diagnosed as being in need of the subject methodsusing any convenient protocol. In addition, individuals may be known tobe in need of the subject methods, e.g., they are suffering from memoryproblems, such as dementia, including dementia associated withAlzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis or assessment oftarget condition can be performed using any convenient diagnosticprotocol.

Methods of the present disclosure may further include assessing theefficacy of the treatment protocol that includes transdermaladministration of rivastigmine. Assessing the efficacy of treatment maybe performed using any convenient protocol, and in certain embodiments,includes a protocol to assess the memory of the subject or othersymptoms associated with, e.g., Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson'sdisease.

In some instances, transdermal compositions may be administered inconjunction with one or more additional therapies specific for thetarget condition of interest. As such, the transdermal compositions maybe used alone to treat the target disorder, or alternatively, as in thecase of Alzheimer's disease, for example, they may be used as an adjunctto the conventional cholinesterase inhibitor and/or memantine therapies.As in the case of Parkinson's disease, for example, they may be used asan adjunct to the conventional L-DOPA treatments.

Transdermal compositions of the present disclosure may be administeredto a variety of different types of subjects. Subjects of interestinclude, but are not limited to: mammals, both human and non-human,including the orders carnivore (e.g., dogs and cats), rodentia (e.g.,mice, guinea pigs, and rats), lagomorpha (e.g. rabbits) and primates(e.g., humans, chimpanzees, and monkeys). In certain embodiments, thesubjects, e.g., patients, are humans.

Utility

The transdermal compositions of the present disclosure find use in anyapplication where a subject would benefit from transdermaladministration of rivastigmine. Rivastigmine finds use in the treatmentof a variety of different disease conditions, such as but not limitedto: diseases associated with memory loss, such as dementia, includingdementia associate with Alzheimer's disease, dementia associated withParkinson's disease, and the like. By treatment is meant that at leastan amelioration of the symptoms associated with the condition afflictingthe subject is achieved, where amelioration is used in a broad sense torefer to at least a reduction in the magnitude of a parameter, e.g.,symptom, associated with the condition being treated. As such, treatmentalso includes situations where the pathological condition, or at leastsymptoms associated therewith, are completely inhibited, e.g., preventedfrom happening, or stopped, e.g., terminated, such that the subject nolonger suffers from the condition, or at least the symptoms thatcharacterize the condition.

Kits

Kits for use in practicing certain methods described herein are alsoprovided. In certain aspects, the kits include one or more of any of thetransdermal compositions described elsewhere herein. According tocertain aspects, the kits include two or more of the subject transdermalcompositions. In a given kit that includes two or more compositions, thecompositions may be individually packaged or present within a commoncontainer, where the packaging and/or container may be sterile, e.g., asterile pouch.

In certain embodiments, the kits will further include instructions forpracticing the subject methods or means for obtaining the same (e.g., awebsite URL directing the user to a webpage which provides theinstructions), where these instructions may be printed on a substrate,where substrate may be one or more of: a package insert, the packaging,reagent containers and the like. In the subject kits, the one or morecomponents are present in the same or different containers, as may beconvenient or desirable.

The following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by wayof limitation. Specifically, the following examples are of specificembodiments for carrying out aspects of the present disclosure. Theexamples are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

EXAMPLES I. Materials and Methods

A. Preparation of Transdermal Compositions that Include aRivastigmine-Containing Active Agent Layer and an Adhesive Layer

To prepare the active agent layer, rivastigmine, excipients, and organicsolvents to adjust the coat mix were weighed in a container and mixed toobtain a homogenous active agent layer solution. (e.g., Vitamin E, aCarbomer (e.g., Carbopol 974P), Rivastigmine, Ethyl-acetate are added toa suitable container, and then mixed well. When the resultant mix isconsistent, Plastoid B pre-dissolved in Ethyl Acetate, and adhesive, areadded to the mixture to produce a solution). The solution was poured onto the release coated side of a release liner, and casted using adrawdown coating machine (GARDCO® Automatic Drawdown Machine 2). Thegauge of the coating bar was set to obtain the target coat thickness.The release liner with casted adhesive mix was dried in an oven (BINDER,FEP 115-VL) at 75° Celsius for 12 minutes to obtain a sheet of activeagent layer, and laminated with a backing. The release liner is thenremoved to laminate the adhesive side with the adhesive layer preparedas described below.

For the preparation of the skin adhesive layer, Vitamin E andpressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., Duro-tak 9301, Bio-PSA 4302) wereadded to a container, followed by addition of ethyl acetate to reach thedesired solid content weight % (for example 20%-50%, such as 30%-40%).After mixing, the mixture was poured on to the release coated side ofthe release liner, casted using a drawdown coating machine at thedesired coat weight and thickness, and dried in an oven at 75° Celsius(where a suitable range is 70±5° Celsius) for 12 minutes to obtain asheet of skin adhesive layer.

Upon preparation of the sheets of active agent layer and skin adhesivelayer, the adhesive side of active agent layer and skin adhesive layerwere laminated together, and transdermal compositions were punched outat the desired sizes (cm²).

The composition presented in specific example was prepared on weightbasis (mg/cm²). The formulation may be presented in thickness basis (μm)for convenience assuming a density of 1.0 g/cm³

B. Transdermal Flux Tests

For transdermal flux tests, the epidermis of human cadaver skin wasisolated and punched out at the desired size. The prepared epidermis wasplaced onto a 10 mL vertical-type Frantz cell, and the transdermal patchpunched out at the desired size was applied and checked carefully forpinholes or air bubbles. Phosphate Buffer (TAKARA BIO, PBS tablet, pH7.5) with 0.01% Gentamicine as antibiotic was filled into the Frantzcell as a receptor solution. At each sampling time, the full 10 mL ofreceptor solution was removed from the vertical type Frantz cell, andreplaced with new 10 mL receptor solution. A portion of the collectedsamples were analyzed by HPLC using an XDB-C18 column (column size 4.6mm×50 mm, particle size: 5 μm) on an AGILENT 1200 LC System. 20 μL ofsample was injected and interrogated at 215 nm wavelength. The mobilephase included 75 mM (NH₄)₂HPO₄ (pH=7.00), acetonitrile, and MeOH in a2:1:1 ratio, respectively.

II. Specific Examples

A. Flux of Various Transdermal Compositions

1. The Effect of Active Agent Layer Coat Weight on the Flux ofRivastigmine

The effect of active agent layer coat weight on the flux of rivastigminewas assessed using formulations having an active agent layer coat weightof 12 mg/cm²′ 18 mg/cm², and 24 mg/cm². The specific make-up of thesecompositions is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 4 Composition 1Composition 2 Composition 3 Active 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30%Rivastigmine Agent 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid Layer 5%Carbopol 934P 5% Carbopol 934P 5% Carbopol 934P 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1%Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 12 mg/cm² coat weight 18 mg/cm2 coat weight 24 mg/cm² coatweight Adhesive 98.9% BIO-PSA 4302 98.9% BIO-PSA 4302 98.9% BIO-PSA 4302Layer 1.0% 9120 Silicon Oil 1.0% 9120 Silicon Oil 1.0% 9120 Silicon Oil0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

The results, shown in FIG. 4, indicate a positive correlation betweenactive agent layer thickness and sustained release of rivastigmine atday 7.

2. The Effect of Crosslinked Acrylic Acid Polymer on the Flux ofRivastigmine

The effect of the presence and amount of crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer on the flux of rivastigmine was assessed using formulationshaving an active agent layer coat weight of 12 mg/cm²). Specifically,the flux of transdermal compositions including 3% w/w Carbopol, 5%Carbopol, and 7% Carbopol were compared to a composition that does notinclude a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer in the active agent layer orthe adhesive layer (the 1-day Exelon® patch marketed by Novartis (Basel,CH)). The specific make-up of these compositions is shown in Table 2below. (When the drug loading XX mg/cm² is fixed, the dry thickness ofthe adhesive becomes thinner (lower mg/cm²) as the drug loading wt % ishigher. Drug loading mg/cm2 is dry adhesive thickness (mg/cm²)*drugloading wt %)

TABLE 2 Transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 5 Composition 4Composition 5 Composition 6 Composition 7 Active 30% Rivastigmine 30%Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Agent 20% Plastoid 17%Plastoid 15% Plastoid 13% Plastoid Layer 0% Carbopol 974P 3% Carbopol974P 5% Carbopol 974P 7% Carbopol 974P 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 235349.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 24 mg/cm² coat weight 24 mg/cm²coat weight 24 mg/cm² coat weight 24 mg/cm² coat weight Adhesive 99.9%Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak9301 Layer 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm²coat weight

As shown in FIG. 5, the presence of crosslinked acrylic acid polymer inthe active agent layer unexpectedly results in the compositions having asignificantly altered flux profile as compared to the 1-day Exelon®patch, which does not include a crosslinked acrylic acid polymer in theactive agent layer (or adhesive layer). The graph shown in FIG. 5indicates that the flux characteristics are affected by the amount ofcrosslinked acrylic acid polymer in the active agent layer, and that thecrosslinked acrylic acid polymer results in more sustained release ofthe rivastigmine on day 7 as compared to day 1. The composition thatdoes not include crosslinked acrylic acid polymer shows a prominentdecrease in flux over the course of the 7-day study.

3. Rivastigmine Flux of Compositions Having Different CrosslinkedAcrylic Acid Polymers

The flux characteristics of three example compositions in accordancewith the present disclosure were evaluated. In this example, thecompositions included differing crosslinked acrylic acid polymerspresent in an amount of 5% w/w. The specific make-up of thesecompositions is shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 6 Composition 8Composition 9 Composition 10 Active 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine30% Rivastigmine Agent 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid Layer 5%Carbopol 974P 5% Carbopol 934P 5% AA-1 Polycarbophil 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1%Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 24 mg/cm² coat weight 24 mg/cm² coat weight 24 mg/cm² coatweight Adhesive 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak9301 Layer 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coatweight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the formulations exhibited a sustained fluxfor 7 days, while the Exelon® patch exhibited a marked decrease in fluxafter day 1.

4. Rivastigmine Flux of Compositions Having Different Skin AdhesiveLayers

The flux characteristics of six example compositions in accordance withthe present disclosure were evaluated. In this example, the compositionsincluded an active agent layer having a crosslinked acrylic acid polymerpresent in an amount of 5% w/w, and differing skin adhesive layers. Thespecific make-up of these compositions is shown in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 7 Composition 11Composition 12 Composition 13 Active 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine30% Rivastigmine Agent 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid Layer 5%Carbopol 934P 5% Carbopol 934P 5% Carbopol 934P 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1%Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coatweight Adhesive No adhesive layer 98.9% BIO-PSA 4302 99.9% PIB-PanalaneLayer 1.0% 9120 Silicon Oil 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coatweight 3 mg/cm² coat weight Composition 14 Composition 15 Composition 16Active 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Agent 15%Plastoid 15% Plastoid 15% Plastoid Layer 5% Carbopol 934P 5% Carbopol934P 5% Carbopol 934P 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 12 mg/cm² coatweight 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight Adhesive 99.9%Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 2287 99.9% Duro-Tak 2353 Layer 0.1% VitaminE 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coatweight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

As shown in FIG. 7, the composition having PIB-Panalane as the skinadhesive showed a greater initial flux, while the composition havingDuro-Tak 2353 exhibited the lowest flux for the 7-day period. The fluxeswere equivalent for compositions having Duro-tak 2287, Duro-tak 9301,and BIO-PSA 4302 as skin adhesive.

5. Rivastigmine Flux of Compositions Having Three Layers

The flux characteristics of four example compositions having threelayers—a first active agent layer that does include a crosslinkedacrylic acid polymer, a second active agent layer that does not includea crosslinked acrylic acid polymer, and a skin adhesive layer—inaccordance with the present disclosure were evaluated. The specificmake-up of these compositions is shown in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Three-layer transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 8 Composition17 Composition 18 Composition 19 Composition 20 2nd 30% Rivastigmine 30%Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Active 20% Plastoid 20%Plastoid 20% Plastoid 20% Plastoid Agent 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 Layer 0.1% VitaminE 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight 1st 30%Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Active15% Plastoid 10% Plastoid 5% Plastoid 0% Plastoid Agent 5% Carbopol 974P10% Carbopol 974P 15% Carbopol 974P 20% Carbopol 974P Layer 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak2353 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm²coat weight Adhesive 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9%Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 Layer 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

As shown in FIG. 8, the three-layer formulations exhibited a sustainedflux for 7 days, while the Exelon® patch exhibited a marked decrease influx after day 1.

6. Rivastigmine Flux of Three-Layer Compositions Having One or MoreMembranes

The flux characteristics of example compositions having three layers—afirst active agent layer that does not include a crosslinked acrylicacid polymer, a second active agent layer that includes a crosslinkedacrylic acid polymer, and a skin adhesive layer—and one or moremembranes disposed between particular layers in accordance with thepresent disclosure were evaluated. The specific make-up of thesecompositions is shown in Table 6 below. As shown in Table 6, Composition21 does not include a membrane between the first active agent layer andthe second active agent layer, or between the second active agent layerand the skin adhesive layer. Composition 22 includes a membrane betweenthe first active agent layer and the second active agent layer, and alsobetween the second active agent layer and the skin adhesive layer.Composition 23 includes a membrane between the first active agent layerand the second active agent layer, but not between the second activeagent layer and the skin adhesive layer. Composition 24 does not includea membrane between the first active agent layer and the second activeagent layer, but includes a membrane between the second active agentlayer and the skin adhesive layer.

TABLE 6 Three-layer transdermal compositions shown in FIG. 9 Composition21 Composition 22 Composition 23 Composition 24 2nd 30% Rivastigmine 30%Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Active 20% Plastoid 20%Plastoid 20% Plastoid 20% Plastoid Agent 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9%Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 Layer 0.1% VitaminE 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight 12 mg/cm² coat weight MembraneNone Celgard PP Celgard PP None 1st 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Active 5% Plastoid 5% Plastoid 5%Plastoid 5% Plastoid Agent 15% Carbopol 974P 15% Carbopol 974P 15%Carbopol 974P 15% Carbopol 974P Layer 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% VitaminE 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coatweight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight Membrane None CelgardPP None Celgard PP Adhesive 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 930199.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 Layer 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1%Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm²coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

As shown in FIG. 9, the three-layer formulations having one or moremembranes disposed between particular layers exhibited a sustained fluxfor 7 days, while the Exelon® patch exhibited a marked decrease in fluxafter day 1.

7. Rivastigmine Flux of Formulation Comprising Ethylene VinylAcetate/Vinyl Acetate Membrane

The flux characteristics of example compositions having two layers—afirst active agent layer that includes a crosslinked acrylic acidpolymer, and a skin adhesive layer—were evaluated. Two of compositions(Compositions 26 and 27) included an ethylene vinyl acetate/vinylacetate membrane (CoTran™ 9726 membrane or CoTran™ 9707 membrane)disposed between the two layers. The specific make-up of thesecompositions is shown in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Vinyl Acetate membrane compositions shownin FIG. 10 Composition 25 Composition 26 Composition 27 Active 30%Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine 30% Rivastigmine Agent 15% Plastoid 15%Plastoid 15% Plastoid Layer 5% Carbopol 974P 5% Carbopol 974P 5%Carbopol 974P 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak 2353 49.9% Duro-Tak2353 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 24 mg/cm² coat weight24 mg/cm² coat weight 24 mg/cm² coat weight Membrane None CoTran 9726CoTran 9707 Adhesive 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9% Duro-Tak 9301 99.9%Duro-Tak 9301 Layer 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 0.1% Vitamin E 3mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight 3 mg/cm² coat weight

As shown in FIG. 10, compositions including an ethylene vinylacetate/vinyl acetate membrane disposed between the active agent layerand the adhesive layer exhibited a sustained flux for 7 days, while theExelon® patch exhibited a marked decrease in flux after day 1.

8. Minipig Study

A. Formulations Tested

Four different formulations were prepared, as summarized in Table 8,below.

TABLE 8 Formula- Formula- Formula- Formula- Formulation tion #1 tion #2tion #3 tion # 4 Rivastigmine 15 15 20 20 Carbopol 974P 0 0 2 2 VitaminE 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Plastoid B 10 10 10 10 DT-2353 74.9 74.9 67.9 67.9Total wt % 100 100 100 100 Coat Weight 24 48 18 36 (mg/cm²)B. Protocol

Gottingen Mini-pigs approximately 6 months of age were used for thestudy (n=5 for each formulation). In the study, a test topicalformulation was applied to the skin of the Mini-pig at the beginning ofday 1 (t=0), and was removed at the end of day 7(t=168 hours). Totalpatch wear period was 168 hours. Blood sample collection time was att=0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 168, 172, 176, 180, 192,216, 240 hours after the topical formulation application.

C. Results

The observed results are graphically illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 11D.

The Cmin/Cmax (=minimum plasma level of Rivastigmine over maximum, willrepresent the depletion) during the 7 days patch wearing period wasobserved. The results are provided in Table 9, below.

TABLE 9 Cmax (ng/mL) Cmin (ng/mL) Cmin/ Average STDEV Average STDEV CmaxFormulation 1 4.22 0.48 1.40 0.65 0.33 Formulation 2 4.90 1.48 2.68 0.380.55 Formulation 3 4.94 1.26 1.38 0.49 0.28 Formulation 4 5.16 0.56 2.590.40 0.50It is noted that if Cmin/max is low, it means that the topicalformulation is not retaining the drug administration during wear period,and blood concentration continues to decrease of the wear time of thetopical formulation. In some instances, a ratio of 0.4 or more isselected for a desirable Cmin/Cmax value. Formulations 2 and 4 satisfythis criteria.

The results observed with Formulations 2 and 4 and graphicallyillustrated and compared in FIG. 12. As can be seen from FIG. 12 and theTable 10, below, the PK profile for Formulations 2 and 4 is equivalent,while Formulation 4 with Carbomer (Carbopol 974P) is thinner (=easier tomanufacture). Therefore, Formulation 4 is superior to Formulation 2.

TABLE 10 Coat weight AUC(0-240) Cmax Cmin (mg/cm2) (ng/mL*h) (ng/mL)(ng/mL) Formulation 2 48 643.3 ± 140.2 4.9 ± 1.5 2.68 ± 0.38 Formulation4 36 648.8 ± 70.8  5.2 ± 0.6 2.59 ± 0.40 Ratio 0.75 1.01 1.06 0.97(Form4/Form2)

Although the foregoing describes the present disclosure in some detailby way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in light of the teachings of the present disclosure that certainchanges and modifications may be made thereto without departing from thespirit or scope of the appended claims.

Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of thepresent disclosure. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the artwill be able to devise various arrangements which, although notexplicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of thepresent disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope.Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein areprincipally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventorsto furthering the art, and are to be construed as being withoutlimitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the present disclosure as well as specific examplesthereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functionalequivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalentsinclude both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed inthe future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore,is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of present disclosure isembodied by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transdermal composition, the compositioncomprising: an active agent layer comprising rivastigmine and asolubility modulator comprising a crosslinked acrylic acid homopolymer;a backing; and an adhesive layer disposed on a side of the active agentlayer opposite the backing.
 2. The composition according to claim 1,wherein the rivastigmine is present in an amount of from 10% w/w to 75%w/w.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the active agentlayer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 4. The compositionaccording to claim 3, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is presentin an amount ranging from 5% to 90%.
 5. The composition according toclaim 3, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is an acrylatecopolymer.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the activeagent layer comprises an antioxidant.
 7. The composition according toclaim 1, wherein the coat weight of the active agent layer ranges from10 mg/cm² to 90 mg/cm².
 8. The composition according to claim 1, whereinthe active agent layer has a surface area ranging from 15 cm² to 60 cm².9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layercomprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 10. The composition accordingto claim 9, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitiveadhesive present in an amount of from 75% to 100%.
 11. The compositionclaim 9, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an acrylate copolymerpressure-sensitive adhesive.
 12. The composition claim 9, wherein thepressure-sensitive adhesive of the adhesive layer is a siliconeadhesive.
 13. The composition claim 9, wherein the pressure-sensitiveadhesive of the adhesive layer comprises polyisobutene.
 14. Thecomposition claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises anantioxidant.
 15. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the coatweight of the adhesive layer is from 2 mg/cm² to 5 mg/cm².
 16. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises amembrane disposed between the active agent layer and the adhesive layer.17. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises a release liner.
 18. A method comprising: applying to a skinsite of a subject a transdermal composition according to claim 1 in amanner sufficient to achieve a therapeutic flux of the rivastigmine for24 hours or longer.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein thesubject is suffering from dementia.
 20. A kit comprising two or moretransdermal compositions according to claim
 1. 21. The compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the solubility modulator is selected fromthe group consisting of a crosslinked acrylic acid homopolymercrosslinked with an allyl ether of sucrose, a crosslinked acrylic acidhomopolymer crosslinked with an allyl ether of pentaerythritol and acrosslinked acrylic acid homopolymer crosslinked with divinyl glycol.22. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the solubilitymodulator is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the transdermaldelivery of rivastigmine from the active agent layer.
 23. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the solubility modulator is asolubility enhancer.